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Never Say No: Raising Big-Picture Kids
The question Mark and Jan Foreman are most often asked How did you raise your kids?
Never Say No takes you on a personal journey to learn first-hand how they raised Jon and Tim of Switchfoot. They share practical advice for instilling wonder in a media-saturated culture, cultivating specific gifts, and balancing structure with individual choice. Our purpose as parents is the same as our child’ to live creatively beyond ourselves, bringing the love, beauty and nature of God to this world. Let the adventure begin.
Jan and Mark Foreman live in the San Diego area, where Mark is lead pastor of North Coast Calvary Chapel. Mark is the author of Wholly Jesus , and holds advanced degrees in Theology, Education and a Ph.D. in Counseling and Pastoral Care. Jan is a gifted teacher, artist, and she also facilitates partnerships with underprivileged women and children both locally and in developing countries. Together they love surfing, sailing, travel and especially being with their family.
Never Say No takes you on a personal journey to learn first-hand how they raised Jon and Tim of Switchfoot. They share practical advice for instilling wonder in a media-saturated culture, cultivating specific gifts, and balancing structure with individual choice. Our purpose as parents is the same as our child’ to live creatively beyond ourselves, bringing the love, beauty and nature of God to this world. Let the adventure begin.
Jan and Mark Foreman live in the San Diego area, where Mark is lead pastor of North Coast Calvary Chapel. Mark is the author of Wholly Jesus , and holds advanced degrees in Theology, Education and a Ph.D. in Counseling and Pastoral Care. Jan is a gifted teacher, artist, and she also facilitates partnerships with underprivileged women and children both locally and in developing countries. Together they love surfing, sailing, travel and especially being with their family.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2015
63 people are currently reading
761 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 10, 2017
I approached this book warily, primarily because of the title.
So I was glad, in the introduction, to read this: “But really, never say no? The title of this book is a hyperbole to startle our souls. We want to change the focus, to look at parenting through a different lens. Instead of targeting behavior, we want to step back and see what matters most: the relationship.”
I knew before I opened this book that my kids could use more “yes” than my nature is inclined to give. An example lifted, literally, from the last week of my life: One of my children is currently obsessed with sleeping in a sleeping bag instead of under sheets and a blanket. This is weird to me. So I set an only-on-weekends rule. But it wasn't long before I was questioning that call. I asked my husband about it and he offered one gentle comment: “I wondered about that.” My sweet one now sleeps in a bag regularly.
Clearly, my heart needs consistent reminders about dealing with my children primarily through means of encouragement, about letting their God-given curiosity and creativity have space to flourish. I appreciated the emphasis on building relationships and the many practical ideas for making that vision a reality.
But – and maybe this is because I went in wary – I never felt 100 percent at ease with this book. While I embrace a great deal of what the Foremans have to say – some of which I already have in my heart and try to practice, and some of which was fresh, needed wisdom from parents further down the road – I still felt at several points that it was a pendulum swing too far. In fairness, maybe they would argue that the balance had swung so far in the other direction a radical departure was required.
I struggled, as one example, with a section on discipline that said it’s not helpful to call disobedience “a sin.” I understand childishness – spilled milk is not a moral issue. The Foremans write that “to magnify the bad choice [disobedience] into something more serious does more harm and risks shaming the child, who now might believe he or she is an evil person.” My goal in helping my kids recognize their sin is to show them their need for Christ, to humbly acknowledge I have the same need and to comfort them with my also-a-sinner understanding. I believe this can be done lovingly and in a way that leaves a child not ashamed but hopeful in Jesus.
Still, there was much here to chew on and appreciate: encouraging creativity, fostering family times and traditions, using technology to enhance relationships not dull senses. And I loved the encouragement to make decisions based on what’s best for your child and your family. This is hard to do with our hearts as they are, so prone to compare and compete.
The Foremans argue that God and faith and worldview should be organic elements of family life, not topics pulled from the shelf for occasional instruction.
“A child can parrot a scripture, including chapter and verse, but it might not help them with school cliques or fear of the dark. Eventually, kids can assume the stories of the Bible don’t apply to their dreams or daily struggles. But when conversations about God happen informally, under a tree, on a beach, at the game, it shatters that assumption.”
That’s the kind of life I want to live with my kids.
So I was glad, in the introduction, to read this: “But really, never say no? The title of this book is a hyperbole to startle our souls. We want to change the focus, to look at parenting through a different lens. Instead of targeting behavior, we want to step back and see what matters most: the relationship.”
I knew before I opened this book that my kids could use more “yes” than my nature is inclined to give. An example lifted, literally, from the last week of my life: One of my children is currently obsessed with sleeping in a sleeping bag instead of under sheets and a blanket. This is weird to me. So I set an only-on-weekends rule. But it wasn't long before I was questioning that call. I asked my husband about it and he offered one gentle comment: “I wondered about that.” My sweet one now sleeps in a bag regularly.
Clearly, my heart needs consistent reminders about dealing with my children primarily through means of encouragement, about letting their God-given curiosity and creativity have space to flourish. I appreciated the emphasis on building relationships and the many practical ideas for making that vision a reality.
But – and maybe this is because I went in wary – I never felt 100 percent at ease with this book. While I embrace a great deal of what the Foremans have to say – some of which I already have in my heart and try to practice, and some of which was fresh, needed wisdom from parents further down the road – I still felt at several points that it was a pendulum swing too far. In fairness, maybe they would argue that the balance had swung so far in the other direction a radical departure was required.
I struggled, as one example, with a section on discipline that said it’s not helpful to call disobedience “a sin.” I understand childishness – spilled milk is not a moral issue. The Foremans write that “to magnify the bad choice [disobedience] into something more serious does more harm and risks shaming the child, who now might believe he or she is an evil person.” My goal in helping my kids recognize their sin is to show them their need for Christ, to humbly acknowledge I have the same need and to comfort them with my also-a-sinner understanding. I believe this can be done lovingly and in a way that leaves a child not ashamed but hopeful in Jesus.
Still, there was much here to chew on and appreciate: encouraging creativity, fostering family times and traditions, using technology to enhance relationships not dull senses. And I loved the encouragement to make decisions based on what’s best for your child and your family. This is hard to do with our hearts as they are, so prone to compare and compete.
The Foremans argue that God and faith and worldview should be organic elements of family life, not topics pulled from the shelf for occasional instruction.
“A child can parrot a scripture, including chapter and verse, but it might not help them with school cliques or fear of the dark. Eventually, kids can assume the stories of the Bible don’t apply to their dreams or daily struggles. But when conversations about God happen informally, under a tree, on a beach, at the game, it shatters that assumption.”
That’s the kind of life I want to live with my kids.
June 21, 2018
Sure, they said some good things. But I think they swung too far in the direction of fun, creative, always happy parents.
This would be my summary of the book: always play with your kids, teach them music, teach them art, teach them culture (but make sure they’re wise enough to be separate from it), keep family dinners a priority (but only make food they like and don’t dare bring up table manners because then they’d be sad). If you want your kids to stop doing something make sure you make a game out of it! Because discipline should always be fun. Don’t use the word ‘sin’ when talking about disobedience. Your kids live in the house so make sure they can ride their bikes all over it and their toys are free to be everywhere. Take them on exotic trips.
I don’t buy it. Their parenting style is right in line with the culture’s parenting problem right now - kids run their parents’ world.
Quote directly from the book, “Be available to accept your child’s invitations. Jan and I still live by this motto: Never say no. When our sons or grandchildren ask us to climb a tree, build a sand castle, go for breakfast, or paddle into dark, frigid, windblown waves, the answer is always yes. God is one big YES for us, and we want to pay it forward to our own kids.” (60)
...... ummmm God never says no them?! I’ve learned a ton from my no’s. Like that I don’t know what’s best for me. Or that I’m not the center of the universe.
My takeaway: I can still enjoy my kids while teaching them freaking table manners. Jeeze.
This would be my summary of the book: always play with your kids, teach them music, teach them art, teach them culture (but make sure they’re wise enough to be separate from it), keep family dinners a priority (but only make food they like and don’t dare bring up table manners because then they’d be sad). If you want your kids to stop doing something make sure you make a game out of it! Because discipline should always be fun. Don’t use the word ‘sin’ when talking about disobedience. Your kids live in the house so make sure they can ride their bikes all over it and their toys are free to be everywhere. Take them on exotic trips.
I don’t buy it. Their parenting style is right in line with the culture’s parenting problem right now - kids run their parents’ world.
Quote directly from the book, “Be available to accept your child’s invitations. Jan and I still live by this motto: Never say no. When our sons or grandchildren ask us to climb a tree, build a sand castle, go for breakfast, or paddle into dark, frigid, windblown waves, the answer is always yes. God is one big YES for us, and we want to pay it forward to our own kids.” (60)
...... ummmm God never says no them?! I’ve learned a ton from my no’s. Like that I don’t know what’s best for me. Or that I’m not the center of the universe.
My takeaway: I can still enjoy my kids while teaching them freaking table manners. Jeeze.
February 13, 2021
This is the best book on parenting I have read. I will come back to it again and again.
"The goal [of discipline] is not to create perfect little robots that obey our every whim. Our role as parents is to increasingly motivate our children to act from within, not simply act correctly. We don’t want coercive obedience. Good behavior needs to be redefined as authentic choices that benefit our children and those around them. The finish line is to empower our children’s self-discipline.
In early Scripture, the term “discipline” means “to dedicate a house or temple for a unique purpose” (see Deut. 20:5; 1 Kings 8:63). The Arabic equivalent means to rub the palate of an infant with chewed dates or oil to prepare the child to suck.2 So discipline is really dedicating and preparing children for their life’s purpose, helping them find a story bigger than themselves."
"The goal [of discipline] is not to create perfect little robots that obey our every whim. Our role as parents is to increasingly motivate our children to act from within, not simply act correctly. We don’t want coercive obedience. Good behavior needs to be redefined as authentic choices that benefit our children and those around them. The finish line is to empower our children’s self-discipline.
In early Scripture, the term “discipline” means “to dedicate a house or temple for a unique purpose” (see Deut. 20:5; 1 Kings 8:63). The Arabic equivalent means to rub the palate of an infant with chewed dates or oil to prepare the child to suck.2 So discipline is really dedicating and preparing children for their life’s purpose, helping them find a story bigger than themselves."
May 25, 2015
That's where Never Say No comes in. It's written by Mark and Jan Foreman, parents of Jon and Tim of Switchfoot. It's their story of raising kids who are creative and chasing the dream God's given them. But one of the most powerful challenges comes in the first pages of the book: Never say no, because you're kids will stop asking. One yes is so powerful. Never say no to what they think God is telling them. And never say no to playing dress-up -- um, ouch! I'm pretty good at the first, not so good at the second.
Never Say No has challenged me to say yes more than I say no. I want kids who want to be with me, who have a deep, meaningful relationship with me. I also want my kids to believe they can do anything God has called them to do. So if saying yes to a few more things along the way will help, I'm in. After all there will be many things I will say no to: tattoos, piercings, etc. But there are so many more I can say yes to.
If you are looking for a conversational, easy-to-read, yet challenging book that will help you in your parenting, Never Say No may be just the book for your library.
Never Say No has challenged me to say yes more than I say no. I want kids who want to be with me, who have a deep, meaningful relationship with me. I also want my kids to believe they can do anything God has called them to do. So if saying yes to a few more things along the way will help, I'm in. After all there will be many things I will say no to: tattoos, piercings, etc. But there are so many more I can say yes to.
If you are looking for a conversational, easy-to-read, yet challenging book that will help you in your parenting, Never Say No may be just the book for your library.
March 19, 2016
Great for parents
Love the simple wisdom of leading and loving your kids. Love the questions at the end and highlighted so much throughout.
Love the simple wisdom of leading and loving your kids. Love the questions at the end and highlighted so much throughout.
January 5, 2019
Written by the Foreman’s, parents of the guys in Switchfoot, this book gives practical wisdom on raising kids with character who launch well into the world. My favorite takeaways:
Always say “yes” when your children ask you to play, talk or hang out. Otherwise they may stop asking.
Explain the reasons for punishment versus laying on guilt
Love is spelled T-I-M-E. Eyes, Touch and Time.
Foster critical thinking through open dialogue around content and experiences your children are exposed to.
Children want open-ended choices not scripted options
Avoid, “you are ____” statements and encourage with specifics like, “you’ve really practiced and can play that piece beautifully” versus “you are a good musician.” Similarly be pointed and specific with criticism.
Foster persistence and resilience in kids by encouraging them to master hard things.
“God is as natural and necessary as a trip to the dump.” Talk with and about Him in accessible ways with your kids.
Avoid using, Always” and “Never.” Get good at saying, “I’m sorry.”
Social media posts about your kids can cause anonymous friends and strangers to form unfair impressions of your kids.
Role as parents is to motivate kids to act from within, not simply act correctly.
2 Marriage connective during the week, one for scheduling and problem solving the other for companionship
Always say “yes” when your children ask you to play, talk or hang out. Otherwise they may stop asking.
Explain the reasons for punishment versus laying on guilt
Love is spelled T-I-M-E. Eyes, Touch and Time.
Foster critical thinking through open dialogue around content and experiences your children are exposed to.
Children want open-ended choices not scripted options
Avoid, “you are ____” statements and encourage with specifics like, “you’ve really practiced and can play that piece beautifully” versus “you are a good musician.” Similarly be pointed and specific with criticism.
Foster persistence and resilience in kids by encouraging them to master hard things.
“God is as natural and necessary as a trip to the dump.” Talk with and about Him in accessible ways with your kids.
Avoid using, Always” and “Never.” Get good at saying, “I’m sorry.”
Social media posts about your kids can cause anonymous friends and strangers to form unfair impressions of your kids.
Role as parents is to motivate kids to act from within, not simply act correctly.
2 Marriage connective during the week, one for scheduling and problem solving the other for companionship
September 10, 2025
This was my 3rd read and I always just find this to be such a good reset for my parenting. It’s in my nature to say no to things - especially the closer it gets to my bedtime. I always need a good reminder that anything my kids ask to do with me is an opportunity I’ll never have again. The days are long but the years are short - and the older my kids get the more I’m learning this saying is so true.
I was privileged to meet the authors several years ago - so this will always be a special book to me.
I was privileged to meet the authors several years ago - so this will always be a special book to me.
July 28, 2017
Great parenting book with a focus on building a relationship with your child vs. specific discipline strategies that most parenting books tend to be focused on. I really appreciated the angle that the best thing we can communicate to our children is "I enjoy you." Couldn't the same be said for all relationships? That simple statement has been making me think differently about parenting since reading it.
December 1, 2017
Truly loved this book. Read it for over a year, reading and re-reading because I was trying to put some of this stuff into action in my own parenting. It’s a book that I can say has shaped me. Truly a before and after read for me.
Inspired me to be intentional, messy, and relax more in my parenting.
Inspired me to be intentional, messy, and relax more in my parenting.
April 6, 2022
Most of life is not success or failure, but bad, good, better, and best. If I am not recognized as best by others, I have not failed. I am one human among many, not the Messiah. We simply find our niche and make a good cup of coffee. We leave the results to a sovereign God. We dream with an honest humility. Sometimes plan B stands for Best.
February 2, 2021
For a woman who avoids parenting books at large, I found Never Say No both refreshing and encouraging. What I appreciated most was its emphasis on making the most of opportunities to KNOW our kids and to be present parents.
October 3, 2024
This book is pure gold on parenting. Mark and Jan Foreman bring practical advice as well as countless stories to help readers better grasp what it looks like to reverse the cat’s cradle and point their children to Jesus. I can’t recommend this book enough!
Read
December 3, 2020Hhh
June 22, 2025
Bad title - Great book!
May 25, 2015
Never Say No: Raising Big-Picture Kids by Mark and Jan Foreman (David C. Cook, 2015) is an inspiring and intriguing book that welcomes to the reader into a journey of growth in parenting, a journey that doesn’t separate the parent from their child, but rather shows a parent and child can grow up together, hand-in-hand.
Mark and Jan take alternating turns telling stories of their own upbringings and of their two sons, Jon and Tim.
Mark and Jan do not dare label themselves as “parenting experts,” but only two people who have stories and lessons they’ve learned to tell. I found myself agreeing quite a bit with much of their parenting ideals, which fostered trust between me and the authors, while still finding I have much to glean from their journeys.
“We never saw ourselves as parenting authorities; we just knew we’d been given two phenomenal kids to be raised. It was more about not messing up God’s ingenious creations.” – p. 17, Never Say No
Mark and Jan begin by breaking down the process they underwent to look at what parenting should accomplish and the why behind it. Did they want kids who thought the main goal of life is to be happy, do good, have success? As believers, that’s often too limiting in scope. Playing their part in God’s story is bigger. And, as parents, to guide our children to their God-given purposes, we need relationship – with both God and our kids.
“Staying close to our children was critical not only for their survival but also for finding their purpose in life. We believed that as we fed and watered our relationship, we would grow our children’s confidence to find themselves in God’s big story.” – p. 34, Never Say No
This couple addresses reflecting on your own childhood and your current ideals as parents to make new family roadmaps, self-sacrifice as the highest form of love, leading by example, creating space for creativity, truly enjoying our children (and realizing that God enjoys us), discipline while still being open to “yeses” and opportunities, raising children who think, and parenting young adults. Through the book, Mark and Jan share their own mistakes and the joy in seeing their own children become unique individuals.
I’m one of those who usually can’t write in books, but because I was writing down a quote from nearly every single page, I may have to take a highlighter to this book in the next read through. I’m reading this book at a perfect time: the start of our “official” homeschool journey. (Mark and Jan didn’t homeschool their kids, yet intentional parenting is essential in homeschooling, so this book is helping shape my home environment!) My husband and I also plan on reading this together to discuss options together.
“An open environment leaves room for wonder and doesn’t try to fill in the blanks. Wonder is the gift that grows a robust imagination. And imagination is what can change the world.” – p. 110, Never Say No
Added bonus: My husband and I have been emphatic fans of Switchfoot for 12+ years. Switchfoot is in the top three kinds of music requested by our young kids in the car (whether it’s a long trip or a short jaunt to the library). It’s absolutely fun to picture young Jon and Tim in the entertaining and sobering stories Mark and Jan share in this book. Plus, I found several spaces where I read a great though from Mark and Jan and thought, Huh, this sounds rather supportive of a certain Switchfoot lyric.
I fully see myself rereading this book in the future, and I can’t say that for most books. I highly recommend parents taking a look at Never Say No.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the Litfuse Publicity Group as a part of their blogger program in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Mark and Jan take alternating turns telling stories of their own upbringings and of their two sons, Jon and Tim.
Mark and Jan do not dare label themselves as “parenting experts,” but only two people who have stories and lessons they’ve learned to tell. I found myself agreeing quite a bit with much of their parenting ideals, which fostered trust between me and the authors, while still finding I have much to glean from their journeys.
“We never saw ourselves as parenting authorities; we just knew we’d been given two phenomenal kids to be raised. It was more about not messing up God’s ingenious creations.” – p. 17, Never Say No
Mark and Jan begin by breaking down the process they underwent to look at what parenting should accomplish and the why behind it. Did they want kids who thought the main goal of life is to be happy, do good, have success? As believers, that’s often too limiting in scope. Playing their part in God’s story is bigger. And, as parents, to guide our children to their God-given purposes, we need relationship – with both God and our kids.
“Staying close to our children was critical not only for their survival but also for finding their purpose in life. We believed that as we fed and watered our relationship, we would grow our children’s confidence to find themselves in God’s big story.” – p. 34, Never Say No
This couple addresses reflecting on your own childhood and your current ideals as parents to make new family roadmaps, self-sacrifice as the highest form of love, leading by example, creating space for creativity, truly enjoying our children (and realizing that God enjoys us), discipline while still being open to “yeses” and opportunities, raising children who think, and parenting young adults. Through the book, Mark and Jan share their own mistakes and the joy in seeing their own children become unique individuals.
I’m one of those who usually can’t write in books, but because I was writing down a quote from nearly every single page, I may have to take a highlighter to this book in the next read through. I’m reading this book at a perfect time: the start of our “official” homeschool journey. (Mark and Jan didn’t homeschool their kids, yet intentional parenting is essential in homeschooling, so this book is helping shape my home environment!) My husband and I also plan on reading this together to discuss options together.
“An open environment leaves room for wonder and doesn’t try to fill in the blanks. Wonder is the gift that grows a robust imagination. And imagination is what can change the world.” – p. 110, Never Say No
Added bonus: My husband and I have been emphatic fans of Switchfoot for 12+ years. Switchfoot is in the top three kinds of music requested by our young kids in the car (whether it’s a long trip or a short jaunt to the library). It’s absolutely fun to picture young Jon and Tim in the entertaining and sobering stories Mark and Jan share in this book. Plus, I found several spaces where I read a great though from Mark and Jan and thought, Huh, this sounds rather supportive of a certain Switchfoot lyric.
I fully see myself rereading this book in the future, and I can’t say that for most books. I highly recommend parents taking a look at Never Say No.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the Litfuse Publicity Group as a part of their blogger program in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 26, 2017
I am not a father, but when I become one, I will revisit this book about spending meaningful time with your kids.
July 13, 2015
I believe every parent (mom or dad) could benefit from this book. The authors mention that you may just want to skip to chapters that deal with your specific problem sections, but I read through the whole thing and thought that the Foreman's philosophy was very interesting, thoughtful, and practical. No, they are not parenting experts; in fact, they flat out tell you that in the beginning of the book. But they do give some great advice on how to talk to your children, the importance of family time, the importance of instilling religion into your children, and the many ways our thoughts/actions influence our children. It is pointed out in the book that "Children are great imitators. So give them something great to imitate." Sounds so simple, but that is such a huge statement.
This book hooked me from the very beginning. In the introduction we learn how the idea for this book came about. Mark Foreman threw out the phrase "never say no" to a group of people asking for parenting advice. They thought he was kidding, but he was not. He goes on to say "Never say no to all the dreams and creative ideas your children have. Never say no to the realization you can become different than your mom or dad. Especially never say no to your kids' requests to join them, like playing dress up with your little girl or going surfing with your teenager when the weather's cold and windy. If you say no too often, they'll stop asking."
I received this book as a free ARC from David C. Cook Publishing n NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book hooked me from the very beginning. In the introduction we learn how the idea for this book came about. Mark Foreman threw out the phrase "never say no" to a group of people asking for parenting advice. They thought he was kidding, but he was not. He goes on to say "Never say no to all the dreams and creative ideas your children have. Never say no to the realization you can become different than your mom or dad. Especially never say no to your kids' requests to join them, like playing dress up with your little girl or going surfing with your teenager when the weather's cold and windy. If you say no too often, they'll stop asking."
I received this book as a free ARC from David C. Cook Publishing n NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2015
My thoughts:
Now, before you shake your head and say that you can't never say no to your kids, you should read the book. I know because I thought that when I first heard the title. I mean we have to tell our kids no. If they want to touch a hot burner on the stove we can't just say yes do it. That's not good parenting! But trust me when I say that that is not what the authors of this book are talking about.
It's more making your child feel loved and accepted by acknowledging what they want and how they feel and saying yes to the fun things. Make those memories. They're not going to look back and say gee I wish my parents would have told me no that they wouldn't play trucks with me or no we couldn't do this fun thing. But if you tell them no, they will eventually stop asking. And that will damage your relationship.
Never say no is a powerful book about how to cultivate a loving relationship with your children both for now and for the future. It doesn't mean always doing what your child wants. It doesn't mean you can't say no, but it does mean thinking and listening. I think this is a good book for all parents to read and should be something given to new parents. Definitely check it out.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion in the form of a review. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own and not influenced in any way.
Now, before you shake your head and say that you can't never say no to your kids, you should read the book. I know because I thought that when I first heard the title. I mean we have to tell our kids no. If they want to touch a hot burner on the stove we can't just say yes do it. That's not good parenting! But trust me when I say that that is not what the authors of this book are talking about.
It's more making your child feel loved and accepted by acknowledging what they want and how they feel and saying yes to the fun things. Make those memories. They're not going to look back and say gee I wish my parents would have told me no that they wouldn't play trucks with me or no we couldn't do this fun thing. But if you tell them no, they will eventually stop asking. And that will damage your relationship.
Never say no is a powerful book about how to cultivate a loving relationship with your children both for now and for the future. It doesn't mean always doing what your child wants. It doesn't mean you can't say no, but it does mean thinking and listening. I think this is a good book for all parents to read and should be something given to new parents. Definitely check it out.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion in the form of a review. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own and not influenced in any way.
May 20, 2015
The authors are somewhat famous in that they are the parents of Jon and Tim Foreman of Switchfoot. They've written an inspiring book about how to raise kids in a world that is full of selfishness. The book is about how to pull your children above the petty things that pull them towards being self-centered and create a child who loves God and is compassionate and caring about the world around him. It's divided into three sections so the reader can jump in wherever they feel the need in their parenting. But it's best read from cover to cover.
Written in a personal, down to earth style, the writers have captured the essence of what most Christian parents want for their children. I was humbled and inspired as I read. I want this for my children. The stories and examples shared gave me a jumping off point and the concepts, while to the point, also left room for individuality. This is the parenting book that I will be recommending to everyone. It's just that good.
I received this book free of charge from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.
Written in a personal, down to earth style, the writers have captured the essence of what most Christian parents want for their children. I was humbled and inspired as I read. I want this for my children. The stories and examples shared gave me a jumping off point and the concepts, while to the point, also left room for individuality. This is the parenting book that I will be recommending to everyone. It's just that good.
I received this book free of charge from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.
May 16, 2015
There are several Christian parenting books out there but very few that take us through the imaginative and inspiring parenting world of YES. Mark and Jan Foreman’s new book “Never Say No: Raising Big Picture Kids” is by far one of the best parenting books I have read in years!
Many words have been used to describe the book including: holistic, road map, inspiring, wise, authentic and game changing. I agree wholeheartedly. The central theme of the book is the premise that “God is one big YES for us, and we want to pay it forward to our own kids.”
This book will challenge you to connect with the heart of your child and delight in raising wise young people who will one day leave your home well-rounded and ready to take on the world!
READ MORE REVIEW HERE: http://bit.ly/1H98OGk
Many words have been used to describe the book including: holistic, road map, inspiring, wise, authentic and game changing. I agree wholeheartedly. The central theme of the book is the premise that “God is one big YES for us, and we want to pay it forward to our own kids.”
This book will challenge you to connect with the heart of your child and delight in raising wise young people who will one day leave your home well-rounded and ready to take on the world!
READ MORE REVIEW HERE: http://bit.ly/1H98OGk
December 14, 2015
Never say “No”….it may not sound like the best parenting advice, but I dare you to read further and allow Mark and Jan’s book to revolutionize the way you parent.
The Bible tells us that all things in Christ are “yes”, so perhaps we could take this approach with our own children.
Mark and Jan share personal stories and years of wisdom in the pages of this book, encouraging readers to examine their own parenting style.
I especially liked the sections on discipline, sharing your faith with your children, inviting yourself into your childs playspace…everything was informative and just wonderful.
The authors remind us parents that we are preparing our children for independent lives and guiding them to seek God’s plan.
I highly recommend this book to parents!!!
The Bible tells us that all things in Christ are “yes”, so perhaps we could take this approach with our own children.
Mark and Jan share personal stories and years of wisdom in the pages of this book, encouraging readers to examine their own parenting style.
I especially liked the sections on discipline, sharing your faith with your children, inviting yourself into your childs playspace…everything was informative and just wonderful.
The authors remind us parents that we are preparing our children for independent lives and guiding them to seek God’s plan.
I highly recommend this book to parents!!!
January 5, 2016
I'm so glad I bought this book. I know we'll be referencing it for the rest of our lives.
What I loved was that every idea/suggestion was gently given and felt very achievable. It is not a book setup with strict and straight rules but withholds the understanding that every parents comes from a different family of origin and every child is different. I'm thankful for the honesty the authors give, showing the reader that they too didn't have it all figured out. I feel I am cherishing those "Mom will you please play with me?" moments much more.
What I loved was that every idea/suggestion was gently given and felt very achievable. It is not a book setup with strict and straight rules but withholds the understanding that every parents comes from a different family of origin and every child is different. I'm thankful for the honesty the authors give, showing the reader that they too didn't have it all figured out. I feel I am cherishing those "Mom will you please play with me?" moments much more.
August 2, 2016
Wow. Thank you Michelle Brock for recommending this book to me. I love the emphasis on building a relationship with your children and enjoying your children vs. merely managing behavior. The principles in this book are the principles that I sought to build my parenting foundation on, but there are ways that I've drifted, and this book was such a refreshing encouragement to me. This may have just become my favorite parenting book. I highly recommend it.
May 21, 2024
I wish I had read this book before my first son was born. But better late than never! Practical, readable, and easily applicable. Split into 3 parts based around the age of your children so you don't have to read the whole thing, just the part you want, or read the parts as your children grow. This will likely be a gift book for me moving forward as my friends and family have children of their own.
May 29, 2015
This book was a parenting manual of sorts for me! I really enjoyed hearing their stories and seeing how normal my feelings are as a new parent. It was funny, relateable, and full of information to create a good foundation with Christ as the focal point in your family. It is an easy read with guided questions at the end of each section! Great tool for parents of all types!
August 16, 2015
I thought this was a good overview on parenting that I would like to often emulate. The book can drag in certain parts, but it was brightly strong in other parts. It plays a solid middle ground in the parenting book which is faith based but not artificially scared of the world.
January 25, 2016
Goes in my top 5 parenting books!!!
November 6, 2016
Only my favorite parenting book ever.
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